Real Life Warbirding

Greetings, comrades!

September is closing fast, and the crisp smell of fall is in the air (at least here in NY, where I live.) A changing of the seasons does not impede the progress in my professional pilot journey, however. As I alluded to in previous postings, I was invited to take a "tour of duty" with the Collings Foundation. This past week, I took advantage of the opportunity.

The Collings Foundation operates a fleet of aircraft, ranging from WWI to the Vietnam War Era. They run the "Wings of Freedom" tour, which sees their P-51, B-24, B-17, and B-25 go from coast-to-coast, year-round. While on tour, they sell rides in these famous WWII birds. I joined up with the Collings' crew in Brunswick, ME. I had never been to Maine before, and my family has roots there, so I figured it would be a neat experience. I departed from Rochester, for Portland, Wednesday AM. I flew on an ultra-sleek Canadair CRJ-200, to catch my connection from Philadephia to Maine.

Early AM departure from KROC

Good 'ole D52 (Geneseo Airport/Warplane Museum), from 20,000'

The mighty Delaware River, coming into Philadelphia (KPHL)

The CRJ served me well

After staying in Philly long enough for a cup of coffee (literally, I did that!), I boarded an Embraer 170, for the last leg of the journey to ME.

Always be ready!

Flying off the coast of the Atlantic

I was spoiled during this flight

Embraer served me well, also!

The flight into Maine was absolutely beautiful, it was everything I expected (and then some.) I waited a couple hours for my pickup, Steve, to arrive with the Collings' crew van. Before I knew it, I was on my way up to KBXM, Brunswick Municipal Airport. Steve was very friendly, and pointed out Bowdoin College to me along the way, as I had mentioned that my Great Grandfather attended school there. We arrived at Brunswick about an hour later, and I was "awestruck" as I began to meet the rest of the crew and, of course, the aircraft.

B-17G "Nine-O-Nine"

TF-51D "Toulouse Nutz"

Longtime Collings B-17 Pilot, "Mac," onlooking as the TF taxis out for a flight

My 1st day was really interesting! I got to meet the rest of the "gang," all of them very friendly folks. I even met up with a familiar face, Mark Murphy, who flies his P-51D "Never Miss" routinely at our Geneseo Airshow. In fact, Mark was my "roomie," which helped acclimate me to the tour better. The 1st night, the crew went out to an Irish Pub for dinner, it was great fun.

Day 2 was good for me, I really began to "fit in" and get a feel for how the tour functions. I did a little bit of everything, from cleaning/fueling/oiling the B-24 Liberator, to helping sell t-shirts/admission. Furthermore, I got a surprise visit from my good friend/flight instructor Jeremy, and his student TJ! They flew down the coast to see me. A real treat!

"You're gonna need a bigger rag..."

Yup, I'm hooked...

Day 3 of the tour was a "moving day," where the crew/airplanes all move on to the next stop on the journey. For us, the next leg was to Worcester, MA. Before we packed up and left, however, I got to take part in something very special. A WWII Veteran, who piloted 24 combat missions over Europe in a B-24, stopped by to visit. Robert P. and I got the privilege of putting this man back up in the cockpit for the 1st time, after 71 years. The stories he told were remarkable, and I will never forget the experience. Thank you for your service, sir.

A true hero...

After giving the tour, we departed for Worcester Regional Airport (KORH.) I elected to fly there in the B-25 Mitchell. This was very special for me, and my longtime friend Chuck England had flown these in WWII. I'll put up another post about Chuck in the near future, he was a huge part of me becoming a pilot. 

I had the whole back of the B-25 to myself, it was really cool! On the way to Worcester, we even got in a little formation flying...

My Great Grandpa's Alma Mater, Bowdoin College

Formation with B-24 & TF-51D

What an amazing experience, it was!

Once we arrived in Worcester, we were greeted by a huge crowd of enthusiastic airplane fans. We kept busy with tours and rides all day. 

The TF-51 makes a great subject for picture-taking...

By the end of the day, I was exhausted. My hat goes off to all those Collings' crew and volunteers who do this for any length of time, it is a lot of work (but very rewarding.) That night, we had dinner with the rest of the Collings' crew from Stowe, MA. Lots of good food and good stories were shared. I went to bed early that night, and left early the next AM to catch my flight @ Boston-Logan Int'l. I caught a taxi over to the airport, with the most friendly of drivers! I even got a little-impromptu tour of downtown on the way. From Boston, I flew to Newark aboard an Embraer 170 to catch my connecting flight home, to KROC. 

Beautiful scene after takeoff from Boston

We even came into some IMC conditions en route to Newark, 11th in Command log time, anyone?

IKEA! The coolest part of Newark

My lay-over in Newark ran long, but it was no big deal. After a quick tire issue was addressed with the Embraer ERJ-145 we were to ride on, we were on our way. The -145 is my favorite airliner, I've always liked the sleek looks of it. She got me home safe, once again!

Embraer ERJ-145

Overall, my trip was a complete success. I stepped outside my "comfort zone," and tried something new in the field of aviation and warbirds. I cannot thank the awesome crew/volunteers at the Collings Foundation for taking me "under their wing(s.)" I learned a lot, and most importantly, I had fun! I will be back, for sure. Now, I need to focus of flying the PA28-200R Arrow for my Commercial Pilot's License. Until next time "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Mid-September Pilot Journey Update

My friends, family, and followers...Greetings!

I hope that each of you, as always, are enjoying life. I also hope you are chasing your own dreams/goals, as best you know how. Every time I post, I feel some sense of "guilt," for lack of a better term, for chasing my dreams. Why? I guess it's because I know how hard each of you work on your own, but just don't put it out there for others to see! So, I want to hear from y'all! What are you working on? How are you getting closer to your dream? I really am curious! :-)

On my end, the journey to becoming a Professional Pilot has taken a couple huge steps this past week. As mentioned in my last "agenda" post, namely the long night cross-country and long solo cross-country flights. Yup, you can check them both off as "done!" Here's the rundown...

Tuesday 9/13

Sunset upon 904RA, prior to our departure

One of the requirements for earning the Commercial Pilot's License is to complete a 100 Mile/2 Hour-long cross-country flight, with one's instructor. On Tuesday night, I flew to Griffiss/Rome airport to fulfill this req. This is the same flight I took for the daytime 100-Mile/2-Hour flight with my CFI. However, in addition to the flight, I needed to make 13 takeoffs and landings for night proficiency (3 for night currency, 10 for CPL req's.) Once the sun went down, Scott (CFI) and I began our journey into the dark. At first, I felt kind of "off," as it had been 6 years since I last flew at night (while in Private Pilot training!) However, as we progressed, I began to feel more comfortable. By the time we had done the first 3 takeoffs/landings, I was "back in the saddle." 

The flight to/from Rome was straightforward. The night was beautiful, smooth, serene. Flying in the dark is just something that one has to experience for themselves to truly appreciate. It is completely different, it's just beautiful!

9/13/16 Flight Summary (KROC>>>KRME>>>KROC)

1.) 3 Takeoffs/Landings & Depart KROC

2.) Arrive KRME, 1 "Touch & Go"

3.) Arrive KROC, 6 "Touch & Goes"

Approach/Landing @ KRME

6 "Touch & Goes" @ KROC (& Bonus 360 Turn for Traffic)

And, with that, the night cross-country and time req's were fulfilled! The hardest part of the whole flight? Taxiing back to the tie-down area on the ramp, after landing. We were both drained! But, we did it. What a fun night it was...

Friday 9/16

Yesterday, I took a big leap towards earning my Commercial "ticket," I completed the looooooonnnnnggggg solo cross-country flight! For the CPL, the FAA requires a flight of no-less than 300-Miles, with 3 stops (minimum), and the longest straight-line distance from departure airport be 250-Miles. So, for the trip, I planned to go from Rochester to Coshocton, OH. This airport was exactly 251-Miles from KROC, which is why I chose it. 

Little did I know, I'd meet two of my "facebook friends" at this little airport! See, I began planning this trip a month ago. I had heard that Coshocton had a small airshow, but did not know the date. This past week, as I nailed-down the details in my flight planning, I remembered to check when the show was. Sure enough, it is this weekend! So, naturally, I looked up the performers list to see if anyone I knew was scheduled to appear. Sure enough, a role-model of mine, Mr. Vlado Lenoch, was listed. In addition, a fellow L-Bird driver, and mentor of mine, Mr. ED Roo said he'd meet me there, as well!

With any airshow, there exist these neat little things called "TFRs," or "Temporary Flight Restrictions." These are put in place by the airshow planners/FAA to keep the airspace needed for the performers in the show safe from "foreign" traffic. I called ahead to confirm the times the TFR would be active, and I was "in the clear" for the time of my flight. I was ready, and excited, to go!

Flying over Youngstown, OH area

The whole flight was, uneventful, in a good way! No "squawks," just smooth flying. Even though the legs were long (1.5 hours each), the time (literally) flew by, because I was so focused on the task at hand. I can honestly say that, during this flight, I felt like a commercial pilot. I felt so in-control and calculated in everything I did. It was really vindicating for me. I really can tell that I am getting close to that CPL.

9/16/16 Flight Summary (Long XC Leg #1: KROC>>>8G2)

1.) Depart KROC

2.) Arrive 8G2 (Corry, PA)

9/16/16 Flight Summary (Long XC Leg #2: 8G2>>>I40)

1.) Depart 8G2 (Corry, PA)

2.) Arrive I40 (Coshocton Co. Airport, OH)

On the flight down, I saw some cool sights. Over Youngstown, I saw some KC-135s in the pattern. Big birds, they are!

Youngstown ANG KC-135 "Stratotanker," used for aerial re-fueling

Also, I saw the skylines for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and flew right over Akron/Canton. It was sweet! Once I arrived in Coshocton, I was "marshalled" in by none-other-than ED! With a firm handshake, he "welcomed" me to Ohio. From there, I got my fuel "top-off," then went inside the Pilot's lounge to meet the one-and-only Vlado Lenoch. What a cool guy, he is! I was so glad to meet both he and ED. Having mentors like them goes a long way for an aspiring professional/warbird pilot. :-) After chatting with Vlado and ED for a few, I "mounted" my noble steed Cessna 172 N998RA, once again. Shortly after, I departed for home!

Couple nice F-18s in for the show

9/16/16 Flight Summary (Long XC Leg #3: I40>>>KJHW)

1.) Depart I40 (Coshocton Co. Airport, OH)

2.) Arrive KJHW (Jamestown, NY)

On the way down to OH, I averaged ~95 KTS groundspeed. This is pretty good! On the way back, I had the prevailing winds on my side, and I was averaging ~115 KTS over the ground. I was cruisin'.

"Flying Home"

Over Northern PA/Southern NY

9/16/16 Flight Summary (Long XC Leg #4: KJHW>>>KROC)

1.) Depart KJHW

2.) Arrive KROC

Flying over "home" to KROC, Avon

Once I landed back in Rochester, I was met by my good flying buddy Charlie, along with the freshly-fixed Piper PA28-200R "Arrow!" Charlie asked if I'd like to go flying with him in it, and I (of course) agreed. 

Home, safe 'n sound...

The "Arrow"

She flew great, and I am psyched to start training in her soon! All that remains between me and the Commercial Pilot's License is 10 Hours in the Arrow, and the Written Exam. I say, let's do this!

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Pilot Journey Agenda

Once again, my friends, I say "hello!" I, as always, hope you're each doing great. This week will bring about some progress on my professional-pilot training journey, assuming all goes as planned. Here's what I've got "on the docket..."

Tuesday 9/13 = Long night cross-country flight for Commercial Pilot Exam Req's

Wednesday 9/14 = Long awaited return of the Air Centre's Piper PA28-200R "Arrow," which is needed to complete my Commercial Training (10 hours of complex aircraft flight-time req.) Props (literally!) to my good A&P buddy Nate, for getting this all done, and efficiently to boot! I likely won't fly Wednesday, but knowing "she'll" be ready then is enough to make me happy!

Excellent work, Nate!

Friday 9/15 = Solo long cross-country flight for Commercial Pilot Exam Req's (300 nautical mile total, longest leg = 250NM.) I am planning to go from Rochester>>>Corry>>>Coshocton>>>Beaver Falls>>>Rochester for the trip. In Coshocton, I hope to meet the legendary Vlado Lenoch, a hero-warbird pilot of mine. He will be there for an airshow this weekend. In Beaver Falls, I plan to visit Mr. Jack Roethlisberger, and his homebuilt/full-scale Spitfire. Stay tuned for updates!

Saturday 9/16 = I plan to take my Commercial Pilot Knowledge (Written) Exam. I feel ready for it, but will continue to study up until the day of!

Welp, that's all I've got for now. Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Early-September Pilot Journey Update

Greetings, friends-family-followers...

      It has been a "minute" since my last entry, but I wanted to share the latest happenings in my pilot journey. I am still plugging away on my Commercial Pilot License, but have incurred some road-blocks as of late. First off, as mentioned before, I am awaiting the return of the flight school's Piper PA-28-200R "Arrow." It is a complex airplane (retractable landing gear/adjustable propeller), in which I need 10 hours of flight time to earn my CPL. The RAC Arrow is currently (still) down for an engine overhaul.

Look, she still flies!

      Also, something has "come up" at our school which has delayed my taking of the written/knowledge test for the CPL. I am ready to do it, but will have to wait. Luckily, I have had a generous friend offer me the opportunity to come stay in his hangar, and train with the local school out that way for my Commercial & Multi-Engine. I think this will be the way I go! However, all options remain open until things "cool off."

      Meanwhile, I had the honor of witnessing a fellow-aviator's 1st solo, yesterday! Katie J. has been working hard at the RAC to get to this point, and yesterday, it happened. Congrats, Katie!

Great job! Proud Instructor and Mama

       While watching the flawlessly-executed solo, I was reminded of the time my CFI decided that I was ready. Back in 2010, I was doing my training with John D. @ RAC. The "Chief" Instructor, John is an amazing man, who still instructs into his 80s (90s?) Anywho, the day came for me after a few-months long hiatus from flying. At the time, I was still in college, and flying toward my license between semesters. So, I had about 2 lessons under my belt since the end of my previous semester. After that 2nd lesson, John and I landed back at KROC. As we taxied back to the ramp, I was quite stunned to see John key the mic, and relay to ATC "We'd like to taxi back to the Air Centre to de-plane Instructor for student solo." "WHAT?!" I thought. I was so amped up, but I knew I was ready. Sure enough, I soloed that day. To the surprise of my parents (who wouldn't have made it up to KROC in time to see me anyhow), the 1st big obstacle was out of the way. What a day it was! I had never seen my family, and friends, so proud. The warplane museum crowd was excited, as well. They cut my shirt-tail in celebration (a ritual for student pilot 1st solos.)

      Today, I finally got back up into the wild-blue. My patience can only last for so long, so I "caved" when my buddy Robert asked me to go. ;-) We flew down to Dundee (Re-Dun) Airport, for the fly-in breakfast there. The place is really neat! It has a very narrow runway, but it's enough to get the job done. The highlight of the whole thing, why, the auto-pancake flipper (of course!)

How flippin' cool is that?!

      Rob and I had a great time, and saw some cool stuff along the way. All in all, it was a great day. Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Today's flight summary

Our "steed" for the day, N998RA